“From his advocacy to his work with Farm Aid, John has continuously been a voice for promoting sustainable farming practices aimed at supporting farmers and their communities,” says WhyHunger executive director Noreen Springstead.

“We are thrilled to recognize John. Not only does he embody the artist activist legacy of the Chapin Awards, but his decades-long work to help build a just food system aligns well with WhyHunger’s mission to ensure the right to nutritious food for all,” she continued.

Mellencamp is currently on the road supporting his latest release, Other People’s Stuff.

Check out John performing “Pink Houses” at a recent stop at The Beacon Theatre in NYC: